LONE SCOUTS' 
PRINCIPLE 



A TWO ACT SCOUT PLAY 





BY MILTON F. METHPESSEL 

•*MlLFRAMET- LSXVII" 



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THE LONE SCOUTS' 
PRINCIPLE 



A TWO ACT LONE SCOUT PLAY 



BY MILTON F. METHFESSSL 



PUBLISHED 1918 

MILTON F. METHFHSSEL COMPANY , 
Cedar Falls, Iowa 

Copyright, 1918, by Milton F. MetlifesseL 






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, JUN -5 1918 



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LONE SCOUTS PRINCIPLE 

By Milt on F. M etkfcssel 

FOREWORD 

Without any doubt it was pure inspiration 
that inspired the writer to the task of preparinof this 
small book for the advancement of Lone Scout Prin- 
ciple and Ideals. It has been set forth in print in the 
form of a play, because the [;]ot was excellently ad- 
apted for such, and Originally was intended for that 
use. Our Lone Scout Tribes are becoming more and 
more lax in this' matter, and that is one of the things 
we must guard against. Tbe literary side of our scouts 
should be developed as well as the adventure spii-it 
and "having a good time." Well can the literary side 
r)f the scout be brought to li^rht by presentation of a 
play, and the one such as is contained in this book is 
ieft largely to the ingenuity of the players in being 
I worked out. The characters should put their very 
3est into the production, and put themselves into the 
"Reeling of the play. Guard agamst ''saying words." 
The writer will feel well repaid for his work if every 
Lone Scout Tribe which exhibits the play will write 
:o him of the successs. 



MILTON F. METHFESSEL, 

,1- 

May 1, 1918. 



Cedar Falls, Iowa. 



The Lone Scouts' Principle. 
By Milton F. Methfessel. 

Cast or Cnaracters:- Captain or tribe, tribe members, 
larmer, nis son, ana city tougn. 

ACT I. 

Scene 1. in the Lone Scout Club House. Curtain rises 
with the scouts all occupied in reading, playins: games, 
etc. All are present except the Ctiptain and Scout 
Charles Pilson. 

(Enter Scout Pilson). 
Charles. Hurrah, hurrah! Whee! 
All. What's the matter? 

Charles. Matter? Look here I Our Lone Scouts 
have come! 

All. Give me mine! Here first! Mine! Mine! etc. 
Walter Smith. Say, fellows, isn't that the best 
cover they ever have had. Say, look at all those 
Lone Scouts. Wish I were one of those fellows in the 
picture. 

All. So do we. 

Walter. Hurrah! TheyVe answered the question 1 
asked them. (Look up small question in Lone Scout 
and he reads aloud). They're mighty accomodating. 

Robert tJenkins. Say, '' : ," their 

continued story is just fine, isn't it? iVre you fellows 

reading-it? I've read it all through. " '' 

sure is a hero, isn't he? 

Cleon Morgan. I am reading it. Are you Walter? 

Waller. Yes, you bet 1 am. It's dandy. 



ihe Lone Scouts Principle 5 

(Charles, sets up a yell. All the scouts jump up 
arid see him wavino^ his '*Lone 8cout in the air, 
aud shoutino^, ''They put it in! They put it in!" 
James McManus What did they put in? 
Charles. My story! Hurrah! And they gave me a 
bronze merit medal for it too! Say, just look at the 
picture they used to illus — 

Cleon. \ ou have nothing on me, Mr. Charles. I 
won a silver merit medal in the contest I entered in. 
Look at that. (Shows it in ''Lone Scout). Now, I don't 
make such a big fuss about it either! 

(Boys stare in surprise at the essay, and then clap 
Cleon on the back, congratulating him) 

(Enter Captain. Boys set up a yell) 
Captain Well, boys, what's all the excitement. 
James. Oh! Everything! We've just received our 
''Lone Scouts" and they have published what you 
sent in that big package with all our contributions 
together. That's excitement enough is'nt it? 
Walter. They published and answered the question 
1 asked them! 

Charles. 1 won a bronze merit medal. 
Cleon. 1 luckily won a silver one. 
Captain That's fine, boys The issue this time is full 
of great surprises. 1 received my copy yesterday, 
and have seen all these things. You sure are to be 
congratulated. Turn to the Messenger Department. 
All of our name-s are there also. I am glad 1 sent that 
bundle of contributions to Chief Totem at one time, 
because it makes it practically our own • tribe's 
issue. Now, all lay down your "Lone Scouts" face 



6 The Lone Scouts' Principle 

upward. (They do it). That's right. Now-close your 

eyes-pick them upturn them around, and look! 

(All shout in ^reat surprise). 
All. Our tribe picture! (Other excited exclamations). 
Charles. Why, you won a ^old merit medal for it 
too, didn't you? Gee you must have some bunch of 
medals now. Look at these! (Points to those on Cap- 
tain), wish I had all those. 

Cleon. That gold merit medal beats yours and 
mine, don't it Charles? 

Charles. I should say it does! I'd rather have a gold 
medal than a silver and br(»nze put together. 
Captain. Everyone arrange your chairs for the meet- 
ing. 1 have some very important business to take up 
this evening which will require your very closest at- 
tention. (They arrange the chairs while he is talking, 
and he put his desk and chair into place). First of all, 
I have a boy who desires to become a Lone Scout but 
I am afraid he has bad habits, like smoking and 
swearinfif, and of course that is entirely ag dnst our 
rules. I want a volunteer to watch him clcsely, for 1 
have given him two weeks in which to reform. With 
him it will probably be necessary to exercise great 
caution. Who will volunteer? 
All. L 

Captain. Fine- Charles you have the honor. 
Charles. Yes, sir. 
All. Oh! (dissapointedly) 

Captain, (to Charles). Report the night before our 
camping and we will determine his eligibility. 
Charles. Yes, sir.. 
Captain. Now the business meeting will be called 



Ihe Lone Scouts' Principle 7 

to order. We will listen to the Roll Call by our sec- 
retary, the Holder of the Feather. 

(Secretary calls roll. Boys all answer "Here." 
Captain. We will next listen to the minutes of last 
meeting. 

(Secretary reads them) 
Captain. Any other business to be taken up? Mot- 
ions are in order. 

Robert, (rising), Mr. Captain, I move we go 
campino^ soon. 
All. Second the motion. 

Captain, (laughing). We sure are going. I intended 
to tell yoa about that later bat this is probably as 
opportune a time. There are fine places along the 
Cedar river. 1 propose that we take our trek cart, 
which we built some time ago, and hike along the 
river until we come to a suitable place. 1 have your 
instructions ready for you, which I ran through on 
the hectograph. Bring all your goods and knapsacks. 
James, you bring your tent. It will undoubtable 
hold us all. I'll send some of the fellows to your 
house with the trek cart. 
James. Yes, sir. 

Captain. Any other buisness before the house, (si- 
lence). 

Captain. I then move that the Black Hawk Tribe 
have a tribe paper, and that Cleon Morgan be made 
the Editor. 

All, in chorus of voices. Second the ,motion! Just 
the thing! etc. 
Captain. Silence, scouts, (immediate silence). 



8 The Lone Scouts Principle 

Captain. Lone Scout Morgan, if you will come to 
my house tomorrow [ will give you instructions as to l 
how to prepare your paper for the printer and also ] 
what departments to have in your tribe paper. 
Cleon. Yes, sir. 

Captain. Next, I want you fellows to go over all 
your old ''Lone Scouts" and make a scrap book of 
the choicest selections, stories, articles, jokes, and 
the like. Here is mine. I have just finished it. Divide 
it into various parts, such as Scouting, Camping, and 
Miscellaneous. For Camping find how to cook vari- 
ous things and the receipt for them.' Everybody do 
this. A fine prize will be given for the best one. Here 
is probably where our tribe paper will come in 
handy because it will save all this expilaining. 
Charles. (Looking at scrap book). Say, Captain, 
here is a magic trick. Can you do this one? (arises- 
and shows to leader). 

Captain. I probably could but I haven't the material 
for that one. However, 1 am prepared to show you 
another magic trick taken from "Lone Scout." 
(Explains and gives some trick taken from "Lone 
Scout.") 

Charles. Oh! 1 see thru that one. (He gives away 
the secret of the trick). 

Captain. The way you scouts can discover things 
certainly is surprising. 
All. That's our principle. 

Captain. Have you your "Useful Thing" reports 
ready yet? 

All. Yes, sir. (Captain calls for several, who read 
the list of "Useful Things" they have done.) 
Captain. Well, fellows, do any of you want to take 



The Lone Scouts Principle 9 

jyour tests tonight? 

Charles. I do. (Names and gives sonae Lone Scout 

test he has prepared). 

Cleon. I do. (Names and ogives some Lone Scout 

test he has prepared). 

Captain. Now, fellows, we are going camping next 

week. Here are your instructions. (He passes them 

out). Everybody here at 6 o'clock. 

All. W^e sure will be! 

— Curtain — 

ACTTI 

Scene 1. At camp, in Captain's tent. Captain bus}^ at 
desk. Orderly at entrance. Farmer is heard outside 
as if in great excitement. 
'Farmer. (Without). Say! Let me in there.! 
Orderly. Your name sir! 

Farmer. None of your business, Mr- Impudent! 
Captain. Orderly, admit him. 
Orderly. Yes, sir. 

(Farmer rushes in. He walks to Captains desk, 
shaking his finger and threatening). 
Farmer. Say I want to know what ye yoong cul- 
prits are doin' on my farm. What business have ye 
here? Answer me thet! 1 don't allow no trespassers 
on my land nohow, and I'll give 3^e to understand to 
pick up your goods and hike. Get me? ^(Glares fierce- 
ly at Captain). 

Captain. 1 am very sorry about this, sir, and still 
more sorry to see j^ou in such a state. Just let me 
explain. (Farmer cooled down)- Set down, won't you? 
Farmer, (grufi'ly). Thanks. 
Captain. (Seriously). Now see here. We're just a 



10; Tne Lone Scouts' Principle 

bunch of Lone Scouts. I have brouo^ht these fellows 
from the smoky city for a hike and a camp, up the 
river. I intend to give them a good outing, if all 
goes well. We intend no mischief whatever, and give 
you our word of honor to leave every thing just as 
we found it. Perhaps — (draws out pocketbook). 
Farmer. Never mind thet! I don't want none o' thet! 
(Captain puts away pocketbook). 
Farmer. I just thought I'd stop on my way and 
find out a few things. Last year some fellows about 
your size came here, and they chopped down the 
trees and destroyed my woods. They left their camp 
fire burning, and when I came the grass was all afire. 
So I made up my mind never to let those fellows in 
again. I thought you were the same bunch. I guess 
it's all right — 

(Loud noise heard out side. Farmer leaves 

tent in haste. Soon comes running in with a 

boy in his arms). 
Farmer. (Excitedly). What's the matter, Willie? 
Did it h urt vou? (To Captain). Say, mister, can you 
help me? There ain't a doctor within six miles. He's 
broken his arm! 
Captain. Lay him on this cot. (Farmer obeys). 

(Captain blows whistle three times. Two 

scouts enter). 
Captain. This boy has broken his arm. Try your 
first aid. (Boys bandage up arm). 
Farmer. Well, well! I owe you fellows quite a biti 
How do you feel Willie? | 

Willie. I'm all right now, I guess. ■• 



The Lone Scouts Principle 11 

JaptaiD. (to scouts). You are dismissed. (They 

eave). 
[j^armer. You see, Willie, ray son, followed me 

(own, and I o^uess he fell over the tent rope and hit 

hat bier stone outside. 1 sure owe you fellows some- 
I hinof. 

(Orderly enters) 
Orderly. Sir, one of the scouts asks admittance. 
Japtain. Admit him. 

(Scout enters with old fashioned wallet in hand). 
5C0ut. Sir, 1 belive this is that gentleman's. (Nod- 
iing to farmer). 

Farmer, (reachino^ in pocket, discovers loss) Well 
«rell! So it is! Who'd ever think you fellows were so 
lonest? Thank you, sir. (To Captain). Say, yon fel- 
ows can camp here all summer if you would like to. 
He pulls large handkerchief from pocket. It drops. 
>cout picks it up, and politely hands it to the farmer), 
^^armer. Well, weill I never saw such a fine bunch 
)f honest, orderly, and courteous fellows in all my 
)0rn days. Thank you very much I 
vaptain. (To scout). You are dismissed. (Scout 
eaves). 

farmer. Here's a little amount for that honest fel- 
ow who gave me my pocketbook. 
Captain. I absolutely refuse, sir. It's against the 
jone Scout principles to take money for doing our 
isefal things. Thank you, just the same, 
farmer. Weill Well To think 1 acted so mean with 
^ou fellows! You sure are a fine bunch. 1 apologize 
hundred times. I guess you will probably need milk 
)utter and eggs. Call at the house, and I'll supply 



12 The Lone Scouts' Principle 

you with all you want. 
Captain. Thank you, sir. 

(Noise outside. Orderly enters) . 
Orderly. (To Captain). That tou_oh,-l mean- fellow 
you spoke about at our last meetinor has come. 
You know he said he w^anted to be a Lone Scout. He 
left the city the day after our meetins:, as Scout 
Pilson told you. so he couldn't make his report. Now 
he's turned up again, and he's been watchinor the 
fellows signal, make our test requirements, and the 
like. He says he sure wants to join now, and wants 
to come in and see you. 
Captain. Admit him. 
(Boy, dressed as ct y tough enters). 
Captain. What can I do for you. 
Tough. Hello there! Glad ter see yer agin! Say! I 
wants ter jine them there Lone Scouts! I've been 
watchin' 'em feignal, and pass de test, and I wants to 
do de same. Kin i jine? I gives ye me word of hon- 
or never to go back to the old habits agin. Here's 
my money so please let me jine. 
Captain. (Seriously). Where did you go after you 
left town a few days ago? 

Toufi^h. 1 went to de country to reform. I heard 
you fellers were near, so I comes ter tell ye I'd suc- 
cessed in reformin'. 

Captain. I'll send your application to Chief Totem 
Boyce. We'll vote you in at our next tribe meeting. 
Now start on your tests. Orderly, supply our friend 
with a suit, soap and a towel. See that he is cleaned 
up correctly. 



The Lone Scouts Principle 13 

r(ferl3\ Yes, sir. (They -leave), 

j'armer. k^ay, can my boy join them Lone Scouts. 

.'ve wanted him to be a better boy, and if he will be 

ike your fellows here at camp, I'll want him to join 

I thousand times 

Daptain. He can certainly join the Lone Scouts. 

-lere's his application blank. Send it to Chief Totem 

3oyce. 

,^armer. Thank you, sir. I g-uess I must leave. Can 
j[ ofivo your folks a little speech. I used to be a 
hpeech-maker five years ao^o. Raw for Maj^or of our 

,own! 

Japtain. Certainly. — Orderly I 

Orderly. Yes, sir. 
Oaptain. Call the fellows in. 

Jrderly. Yes, sir. (Blows one long blast on whistle) 

Scouts all come in. Sit on ground. 

Farmer rises. 

' Farmer. Scouts! This is indeed a great surprise to 
,ne. But I think it will be a bigaer one to you. 
Epulis off whiskers, and Scouts recognize him as the 
luinister of their church). 

Scouts. Mr. Brown, our minister and tribe advisor I 
I Mr. Brown. Yes, Scouts! I wanted to see how you 
!!:ellows would act, if confronted by difficulties. I 

ivanted to see if the Lone Scouts' -principles still 

leld good with you. I want to commend the Captain 

ipon his cool and able manner of handling diffiicul- 

;ies. i want to commend the honesty of you Scouts. 

[ dropped my purse and my handkerchief on purpose. 



14 The Lone Scouts Principle 

You scouts were honest and courteous. Willie is the 
real farmers son, but he didn't break his arm. (Willie 
rises and takes off splints and bandao^e). Now I 'm 
afraid I'll have to ask fororiveness for this little trick 
I have played. — Will you forgive me? 

Captain. Sure; that's all in the Lone Scout's princi- 
ples. 

— Curtain — 



iXd^c^Uscmcnh 



ScorT Editors!- We will send yon 3 copies of 
this play for inserting the following add, provided 
}on have a ciruulalion of 2co or more: 

Lone Scouts' Principle! The great, famous 
play no V in printed form. Every Booster Scout 
has one. Have you? In two acts, neatly bound. 
Price 15c. Milton Methfessel, Cedar Falls, Iowa. 

Scouts! Do yon know all you want to about 
Woodcraft? Scouiing? Tribes? If not, send 30c to 
Charles Merlino, Hudson Heights. N. J. for one 
years subscription to "Lone Beaver Tribune." 

Send to Us for prices on having your booklets 
printed, Mr. L.S. Author. We specialize on a 
booklet this size. Better run an add in tlie next 
edition of this play, which goes to press soon. 
Limited space- first come, first served. H^^rry! 
-Author and Publisher, 

Agents Wanted To distriluite -'.nd take or- 
ders for this play. Write for proposition. G)od 
commission to the right person. M.F MithfeSiel 
Company, Cedar Falls, Iowa. 



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YOU CANGETTHK GAME, IvONESCOUTS 
PROGRESS, WHICH IS COORDINATE 
WITH LOKE SCOUTS PRIKCIFLE, AKD 

BYTH2 SAME AUTHOR. 

Send us 5c for full particula ;j and inslructitjiis 
how to make it. All t'lat is !\.c[nire(l is ink and 
paper- and tlieii you Iiave a game tiie whole tribe 
will enjoy. Why Wait? 

MILTON F. TvIETHFESSEL 



ROUTE 2 



CEDAR FALLS, IOWA 



Price of this Play 

Single Copy- 15c 

Two Copies- 25c 

Ten Copies- $1.00 

We have made it possible to get these booklets at 
a reduced rate for larger quantities. In exhibit- 
ing the play it is always necessary for each char- 
acter to have a cop> of his own, and by ordering 
them in this manner a reduction is secured. We 
hope that every reader of the play will be so in 
spir'd that they will put forth every possible ef- 
fort to stage it. It offers excellent opportunities. 

MILTON F. METHFESSEL 

ROUTE 2 CEDAR FALLS, lOW^ 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 





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